Challenge Application Proving existence of God

[William Smith]

Way to go, GzuzKryzt.:cool:

LOL yeah way to go GzuzKryst, denying some soldiers going off to war their american right to look at boobies before dying for their country!

Even the 9/11 attackers hit a strip club first, it's undeniable!

Dudes, if you do not want to contribute productively to the development of Sally's test/application, fine and dandy.

Consider not contributing here at all.

[Plastictowel]

I'm kinda shaken here:

Sally, either you're still fishing for compliments, which is pretty understandable generally, but does not help your application (or your credibility as someone investigating her paranormal powers) and simply derails the thread. Check out Forum Community http://forums.randi.org/forumdisplay.php?f=26 for your flirting needs.

Or, which I very seriously doubt, you may simply know not very much about human and especially male perception and play coy.

Or, you are indeed as you suggested earlier "completely off the deep end". But I also doubt that.



On a sidenote: If you think "God will through [you] make his presence known for all to see" via your female physique, I consider that most definitely not paranormal. :) Boobal attraction is as normal as it gets for heterosexual homo sapiens sapiens. And for some sapphic trafficerettes, too.


So what do you think it REALLLLY is then? Do enlighten.

[Plastictowel]

Dudes, if you do not want to contribute productively to the development of Sally's test/application, fine and dandy.

Consider not contributing here at all.

Geese man you are FAR too uptight. Relax, take a deep breath, and smile sometimes.

[Crowbot]

Geese man you are FAR too uptight. Relax, take a deep breath, and smile sometimes.

haha, I have to agree with "mr towel" here. Randi's article's are filled to the brim with sarcasm and humor, if the forums were not meant to contain these things there should be a disclaimer...

[William Smith]

Geese man you are FAR too uptight. Relax, take a deep breath, and smile sometimes.

S.M.I².L.E. is my second name.

So what do you think it REALLLLY is then? Do enlighten.

Please clarify your question, Plastictowel.

[Plastictowel]

I'm asking what you truly believe her "power is," ignorance? beauty?God?Psychic power?

[William Smith]

haha, I have to agree with "mr towel" here. Randi's article's are filled to the brim with sarcasm and humor, if the forums were not meant to contain these things there should be a disclaimer...

I agree with you that the forums should not exist devoid of humour and even sarcasm. Keeps things alive, fresh and interesting. Perhaps you and me simply enjoy different manifestations of humour and sarcasm. This should, however, not disable us from coexisting in this forum.

But along with your behaviour in this thread up to this point, I have quite a hard time deciphering your posts in said ways. It seems though, you is frontin' and not givin' dis tread da propa respect. :D [Insert further generic slang rants here.]

[Plastictowel]

Gzuz you've been nothing but uptight about any kind of humor up until you were finally called out on it, and your use of slang isn't funny, at all. I see it's been a long time since you turned on comedy central, or really had any social interaction at all.
Love
-me

I'm gone for the weekend, rebuttle me all you want, I won't see it.

[William Smith]

I'm asking what you truly believe her "power is," ignorance? beauty?God?Psychic power?

I try to believe nothing. (Had to learn this the hard way.) I try to observe reality for some time and then make up my mind.

In terms of probability, I consider it not really likely that Sally does make "his [God's] presence known for all to see" in her "sessions".

However, I consider daily to be proven otherwise. Hence, I do my best to help Sally establish an effective, water-tight test to prove her right - or wrong.

Technically, even though a test for "God" may result in a negative, Sally might have psychic powers. If so, we should try to work towards another effective and conclusive test along with her. Although the expected likely result seems to clearly point in one direction, right?

[William Smith]

Gzuz you've been nothing but uptight about any kind of humor up until you were finally called out on it, and your use of slang isn't funny, at all. I see it's been a long time since you turned on comedy central, or really had any social interaction at all.
Love
-me

I'm gone for the weekend, rebuttle me all you want, I won't see it.

You still refrain very effectively from a productive contribution to this thread.

[LawnOven]

Wow, going on 13 pages of attention for the racist [rule 8] with a God complex.

Good job guys.

[William Smith]

Wow, going on 13 pages of attention for the racist [rule 8] with a God complex.

Good job guys.

"Thank you". Your contribution really helps this thread. Well done.

[Plastictowel]

Such a cry baby

[kamakazi]

Sally what would it take to prove to you that God doesn't exist?

You dum incompitent being, dont you know god does really exist? he has proven to me, and i will prove to you, i am one of the witnesses from the revelations, yes the bible revelations, when Heaven Gates guy said that he was in the bible, he meant the part the stated about the false prophets, theres a guy in mexico, with my name, claming that he is the Prophet Samuel, but he makes money coming out on the tv, thats not really his name tho, that is my name i can do what no one else can, and can prove to who ever as long as they praise the lord!!!

[Ririon]

You dum incompitent being,
...yadayada...
praise the lord!!!
Colorful, but still:
:notm

[Nucular]

You dum incompitent being, dont you know god does really exist? he has proven to me, and i will prove to you, i am one of the witnesses from the revelations, yes the bible revelations, when Heaven Gates guy said that he was in the bible, he meant the part the stated about the false prophets, theres a guy in mexico, with my name, claming that he is the Prophet Samuel, but he makes money coming out on the tv, thats not really his name tho, that is my name i can do what no one else can, and can prove to who ever as long as they praise the lord!!!

Good enough for me, where do I sign up?

[William Smith]

You dum incompitent being, dont you know god does really exist? he has proven to me, and i will prove to you, i am one of the witnesses from the revelations, yes the bible revelations, when Heaven Gates guy said that he was in the bible, he meant the part the stated about the false prophets, theres a guy in mexico, with my name, claming that he is the Prophet Samuel, but he makes money coming out on the tv, thats not really his name tho, that is my name i can do what no one else can, and can prove to who ever as long as they praise the lord!!!

Kamakazi, I suggest you open a seperate thread with what you intend to do. This thread tries do deal with Sally and her claim.

May I also remind you that using colours in posts is considered as screaming. If you want to engage in a civil and meaningful discussion, please try not to use all-colour posts. Insults are also not very well received in a forum members first post.

[Crowbot]

You dum incompitent being, dont you know god does really exist? he has proven to me, and i will prove to you, i am one of the witnesses from the revelations, yes the bible revelations, when Heaven Gates guy said that he was in the bible, he meant the part the stated about the false prophets, theres a guy in mexico, with my name, claming that he is the Prophet Samuel, but he makes money coming out on the tv, thats not really his name tho, that is my name i can do what no one else can, and can prove to who ever as long as they praise the lord!!!

You spelled "dumb" and "incompetent" incorrectly. How ironic!

[Ashles]

Wow, going on 13 pages of attention for the racist [rule 8] with a God complex.

Good job guys.
Racist?
:confused:

[William Smith]

...
On the application front:


I plan to try to re-gage what exactly I feel and others feel this weekend. I will be in a stressful situation and its is often times where I do feel His work coming through me. If the opportunity presents itself I would like to explore deeper if a relative stranger does remark on feeling calm and warm...

Also in the interest of science (and respect to the families) all cleavage will be firmly packed away during this weekend ;) ...I will let you guys know what I come up with on monday.

Anything yet, Sally?

[jmercer]

I just like her avatar. :)

[William Smith]

I just like her avatar. :)

And that from you, jmercer. :D PM her already.

[Plastictowel]

And that from you, jmercer. :D PM her already.

OMG thats not helping at all in proving a valid jref testing application, stop wasting everyones time and only post 100% constructive information without ANY slacking whatsoever, OR ELSE....I'll whine like a brat.

[William Smith]

I just like her avatar. :)

OMG thats not helping at all in proving a valid jref testing application, stop wasting everyones time and only post 100% constructive information without ANY slacking whatsoever, OR ELSE....I'll whine like a brat.

Jmercer has proven himself as a constructive clear-thinking forum member. His word carries some weight around here.

Yours does not. Yet. If you have helpful suggestions for Sally concerning this thread, we're all ears.

[Sally]

Anything yet, Sally?


It was a very interesting weekend.

I am still working on gathering my thoughts.

The short of it is I think the pursuits of a challenge application may be dead. I am questioning if I still believe the same as I did.

[steenkh]

Sally, take your time. The bare fact that you are willing to question your faith, even if you, eventually, do not actually change it, commands respect!

[Crowbot]

The short of it is I think the pursuits of a challenge application may be dead. I am questioning if I still believe the same as I did.

:D

This is good news.

*edit* too bad you're still spouting the same nonsense you originally came here with in your "ask me about my god" thread. I apologize for thinking you've made progress!

[Sally]

:D

This is good news.

*edit* too bad you're still spouting the same nonsense you originally came here with in your "ask me about my god" thread. I apologize for thinking you've made progress!


Calm down crowbot.

I am still thinking things through..

When a moral dilemma arises in my brain prayer, mediation asking guidance from God are all tools I use.

Others may use different tools but we all work through these dilemmas..


I am trying to place what that means to me... How it shapes God in my life...

[timokay]

Calm down crowbot.

I am still thinking things through..

When a moral dilemma arises in my brain prayer, mediation asking guidance from God are all tools I use.

Others may use different tools but we all work through these dilemmas..


I am trying to place what that means to me... How it shapes God in my life...

Sally, please consider that you need not ask for guidance from anyone. Your own judgement may be all you need. It may have been what has always served you, and yet you attributed it to God.

Many people, including me, come from religious backgrounds, and with time and self examination, we came to accept that a higher power was not necessary in our lives in order to live a positive life.

[hellaeon]

As an observer to this point:

First welcome to those who had not been to the forum before.
Second: I did start when I first read this thread with the mindset 'oh hahaha here we go" but its good to see someone actually apply some common sense during testing. To even test yourself is commendable.

I would do further testing and be strong in yourself for questioning your beliefs. It can only strengthen your resolve in all things. From personal experience, confronting your beliefs can be a bit of a shock but the power you feel from knowing what I guess I would consider as 'better', is undeniable.

One thing I found with real science is its removal of all things race, colour and sex. I love the fact the universe works in the ways we constantly try to explore and learn. We cant change it, so why pretend its different? In fact spiritual for me is learning about things and how complex and vast the universe can be. The overwhelming distances in space to the deep sea creatures through to super string theories all give me goosebumps.

Can you update the status of whether you wish to do further testing?
I have some ideas, but they are pointless unless you want to continue. For a philosophical rant about religion and all things godly, explore the forum.

Cheers

[Ericka]

Sally, you have already convinced me that you have come to know God in other threads. I don't need anymore evidence. But if you would like to try another experiment to prove it to JREF I am a willing volunteer. You did say you need believers around you & I am sure you can help us all come to know your saviour.

[Nucular]

Sally, you have already convinced me that you have come to know God in other threads. I don't need anymore evidence.

Really? Even Sally seems to. Are you honestly convinced as to the existence of a God and an individual's connection to it based on the poor correlation between an internet post and an unconfirmed media report, and the results of a failed experiment?

[steenkh]

Sally, you have already convinced me that you have come to know God in other threads.
I have also come to know God. There is nothing to it. Literally!

[Sally]

I think its time to let this thread die a natural death.

Right now I am putting any thoughts into a challenge on hold. Right now I am focused on discovering what my own spirituallity does (or does not) consist of.

I had some long conversations with some friends that had just returned from Iraq over the weekend including some that I had experienced the intense presence feeling with. We talked over the stresses, the feelings everything leading up to those experiences.

I know feel like the need for human connections can provide some intense feelings these young men just desired to be heard and held and told it was okay to be scared. I provided that.....was it God's work? I am no longer sure...

[IXP]

I think its time to let this thread die a natural death.

Right now I am putting any thoughts into a challenge on hold. Right now I am focused on discovering what my own spirituallity does (or does not) consist of.

I had some long conversations with some friends that had just returned from Iraq over the weekend including some that I had experienced the intense presence feeling with. We talked over the stresses, the feelings everything leading up to those experiences.

I know feel like the need for human connections can provide some intense feelings these young men just desired to be heard and held and told it was okay to be scared. I provided that.....was it God's work? I am no longer sure...
Sally,

Let me be the first to congratulate you on coming here with not just a claim that we disagreed with, but a truly open mind. You are unique.

IXP

[timokay]

I know feel like the need for human connections can provide some intense feelings these young men just desired to be heard and held and told it was okay to be scared. I provided that.....was it God's work? I am no longer sure...

Good luck to you.

[William Smith]

I think its time to let this thread die a natural death.

Right now I am putting any thoughts into a challenge on hold. Right now I am focused on discovering what my own spirituallity does (or does not) consist of.

I had some long conversations with some friends that had just returned from Iraq over the weekend including some that I had experienced the intense presence feeling with. We talked over the stresses, the feelings everything leading up to those experiences.

I know feel like the need for human connections can provide some intense feelings these young men just desired to be heard and held and told it was okay to be scared. I provided that.....was it God's work? I am no longer sure...

Kudos for an open mind.

Respect, Sally.

[Plastictowel]

I think its time to let this thread die a natural death.

Right now I am putting any thoughts into a challenge on hold. Right now I am focused on discovering what my own spirituallity does (or does not) consist of.

I had some long conversations with some friends that had just returned from Iraq over the weekend including some that I had experienced the intense presence feeling with. We talked over the stresses, the feelings everything leading up to those experiences.

I know feel like the need for human connections can provide some intense feelings these young men just desired to be heard and held and told it was okay to be scared. I provided that.....was it God's work? I am no longer sure...


It may of just been gas.

[Ririon]

Kudos for an open mind.

Respect, Sally.
:grouphug7
Looks like a forum group hug for Sally.. Wonder if she can feel it.. A warm tingling sensation.. :)

[tsig]

A honest question. I am trying to be very open to everyones opinion so please take baby steps with me.

Do you have any evidence of any other such world wide delusion taking place. Religion is a pretty universal thing the smallest tribes in Africa to the most powerful western countries share a common thread of religion. What else besides a belief in God (Allah, Buddha, Krisna, a spirit world, etc) has been seen across the world and with such power over peoples lives?

That is what convinces me God is real, he has touched almost everyone around the globe...

Reason for world-wide delusion- we are social animals and respond to parental condioning-pareidolia.

Why did he/she miss me? I tried, two years seminary many years searching-it was like like looking for a black cat in a dark closet after many years I concluded the closet was empty so I came out of the closet, and am now an open athiest.

[tsig]

I think its time to let this thread die a natural death.

Right now I am putting any thoughts into a challenge on hold. Right now I am focused on discovering what my own spirituallity does (or does not) consist of.

I had some long conversations with some friends that had just returned from Iraq over the weekend including some that I had experienced the intense presence feeling with. We talked over the stresses, the feelings everything leading up to those experiences.

I know feel like the need for human connections can provide some intense feelings these young men just desired to be heard and held and told it was okay to be scared. I provided that.....was it God's work? I am no longer sure...

Every body likes to be heard and held and told it was ok.

No god there.

Not being sure is a good thing.

Bye Sally.

[hellaeon]

I think its time to let this thread die a natural death.

Right now I am putting any thoughts into a challenge on hold. Right now I am focused on discovering what my own spirituallity does (or does not) consist of.

I had some long conversations with some friends that had just returned from Iraq over the weekend including some that I had experienced the intense presence feeling with. We talked over the stresses, the feelings everything leading up to those experiences.

I know feel like the need for human connections can provide some intense feelings these young men just desired to be heard and held and told it was okay to be scared. I provided that.....was it God's work? I am no longer sure...

[ali-g mode]

Respect! Aiiight

[/ali-g mode]

Seriously, you have done this in a small but truly scientific way. Draw conclusions, do the experiment, view the evidence, confirm/withdraw or create new conclusions.

One of the first challengers I have seen be so accepting of the results even though it was a negative. Thats humble.

[Mr. Skinny]

I hope you don't leave entirely. Let us know how you are doing over in the Community sub-forum, and come back to this thread with updates on how the thinking process is going.

It's certainly reasonable to request a pause in the discussion to think things over.

Good luck!

ETA: Given that I just noticed this is in the Challenge section, yes, this thread should die (or at least go dormant). I'll look for Sally in other sub-fora.

[JollyRoger]

Hi Everyone,


God will through me make his presence known for all to see, but the skeptics needs this tested what are some ideas from you for convincing you that God is speaking through me...


God is gonna help her make a million dollers???

[Mr. Skinny]

Sally's post #534, Jolly Roger:

I think its time to let this thread die a natural death.

Right now I am putting any thoughts into a challenge on hold. Right now I am focused on discovering what my own spirituallity does (or does not) consist of.

I had some long conversations with some friends that had just returned from Iraq over the weekend including some that I had experienced the intense presence feeling with. We talked over the stresses, the feelings everything leading up to those experiences.

I know feel like the need for human connections can provide some intense feelings these young men just desired to be heard and held and told it was okay to be scared. I provided that.....was it God's work? I am no longer sure...

She's giving it up for now.

[Plastictowel]

Sally I thought god specifically spoke to you about me? What happened to that?

[saizai]

Sally, please consider that you need not ask for guidance from anyone. Your own judgement may be all you need. It may have been what has always served you, and yet you attributed it to God.

Many people, including me, come from religious backgrounds, and with time and self examination, we came to accept that a higher power was not necessary in our lives in order to live a positive life.

Amen to that, brother. :)

[chance]

I think its time to let this thread die a natural death.

Right now I am putting any thoughts into a challenge on hold. Right now I am focused on discovering what my own spirituallity does (or does not) consist of.

I had some long conversations with some friends that had just returned from Iraq over the weekend including some that I had experienced the intense presence feeling with. We talked over the stresses, the feelings everything leading up to those experiences.

I know feel like the need for human connections can provide some intense feelings these young men just desired to be heard and held and told it was okay to be scared. I provided that.....was it God's work? I am no longer sure...

I too congratulate you on analysing yourself, take a big person to admit your not sure. Sally, it quite possible that the simple fact is, that you’re a pleasant and caring person, a career in social work perhaps?

[Sally]

Thank you all for your support.

I have turned quiet on the forum since I want to discourage some of the recent activities. My current spirituality exploration is leading me to a path of more and more questioning of needing spirituality at all..

[William Smith]

Thank you all for your support.
...


Any time.



Your patience with destructive posters has been exemplary.

[Plastictowel]

Even an atheist can experience spirituality, it's an important aspect of life, don't negate it all together, just realize mayhaps it can be achieved w/out the assistance of a deity.

[Ericka]

Thank you all for your support.

I have turned quiet on the forum since I want to discourage some of the recent activities. My current spirituality exploration is leading me to a path of more and more questioning of needing spirituality at all..

Sally I have an experiment for you to try. It comes from my real life. A number of times I have felt the presence of God, or felt like I was having a mystical experience without any drugs, and without any due alarm.

The first time I had an experience like this at college. One of the students was from france and was giving a lecture on homeopathic medicine. He lit 3 or 4 candles in a small room, and instructed us that he was going to take us on a guided meditation.

An aura began to come forward into the room from him and his candles. My eyes started watering, and I felt a sense of peace around me. I almost wanted to go to sleep, but there was a pleasent euphoria running all throughout me and I was fully focused on this.

He took one of my classmates and asked her to lay down, and began softly speaking to her. Telling her to relax, and guided her into her past childhood memories. She reported having an amazing experience after he woke her up and blew out the candled?

What was the secret? It wasn't magic. It is just that the French use aroma therapy in their medicine and require people to get prescriptions for it. He wants to study medicine, and in America we don't feel like aroma therapy has any use. But it really does (If you get good aroma therapy products).

I've also experienced this in Church before. When I attened a church events just last month they used aroma therapy. And it filled the whole church with the same powerful energy. If it wasn't for the fact that I was aware it was coming from aroma therapy I would have felt the presence of god in the room. But it still had a calming effect on me that helped me relax into the feelings already present in the church.

The pastor wasn't using aroma therapy candles. He was using an aroma therapy oil diffuser. Which takes concentrated aromas in oils, and diffuses them into a stronger more powerful vapor that fills up a room. These oils also mix well into lovely massage oils, and can be placed dirrectly into the water of a humidifyer.

I suggest you try some that work on the sinuses, and have good healthy aromas. If you have a cermony with these scents in the air, and set the right mood. No one will be able to resist your God. I sweat it!

Here is a link to info about nebulizers & diffusers: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nebulizer

And the best online outlet I can find: http://www.aromathyme.com/diffusers.html

They also sell body oils: http://www.aromathyme.com/body.html
And candles: http://www.aromathyme.com/candles.html

Which would be more romantic. 8)

[Ladewig]

What was the secret? It wasn't magic. It is just that the French use aroma therapy in their medicine and require people to get prescriptions for it.

People in France are required to get prescriptions for their aromatherapy products? Do you have a reputable citation for that?

[Loss Leader]

I suggest you try some that work on the sinuses, and have good healthy aromas. If you have a cermony with these scents in the air, and set the right mood. No one will be able to resist your God. I sweat it!

This is your God? A guy who can't get his message across without the smell of vanilla?

And if anyone having an "aromatherapy" experience claimed to have gotten closer to God, should God even want them? I mean, this is a person who needs to be convinced of the power of the Lord by sniffing lilac. If God's message is so important and his spirit so moving, one would think that lavender incense would be completely unnecessary.

[Loss Leader]

People in France are required to get prescriptions for their aromatherapy products? Do you have a reputable citation for that?

Erica likes to pop in with sweeping statements, modify them, backpedal, claim she was using hyperbole to make a point and then finally state that she was joking the whole time.

[steenkh]

I do not want to pick on Ericka, as I am sure that aromas can give a very pleasant experience. But I have read that some of those aromas used for "therapy" contains carcinogens, and that the area is largely unregulated.

[chillzero]

I do not want to pick on Ericka, as I am sure that aromas can give a very pleasant experience. But I have read that some of those aromas used for "therapy" contains carcinogens, and that the area is largely unregulated.

I shall try and find some info - I believe the problem lies not in the aromas, but in the substances some oils are mixed with, which are then rubbed into the skin.

[Plastictowel]

Sally I have an experiment for you to try. It comes from my real life. A number of times I have felt the presence of God, or felt like I was having a mystical experience without any drugs, and without any due alarm.

The first time I had an experience like this at college. One of the students was from france and was giving a lecture on homeopathic medicine. He lit 3 or 4 candles in a small room, and instructed us that he was going to take us on a guided meditation.

An aura began to come forward into the room from him and his candles. My eyes started watering, and I felt a sense of peace around me. I almost wanted to go to sleep, but there was a pleasent euphoria running all throughout me and I was fully focused on this.

He took one of my classmates and asked her to lay down, and began softly speaking to her. Telling her to relax, and guided her into her past childhood memories. She reported having an amazing experience after he woke her up and blew out the candled?

What was the secret? It wasn't magic. It is just that the French use aroma therapy in their medicine and require people to get prescriptions for it. He wants to study medicine, and in America we don't feel like aroma therapy has any use. But it really does (If you get good aroma therapy products).

I've also experienced this in Church before. When I attened a church events just last month they used aroma therapy. And it filled the whole church with the same powerful energy. If it wasn't for the fact that I was aware it was coming from aroma therapy I would have felt the presence of god in the room. But it still had a calming effect on me that helped me relax into the feelings already present in the church.

The pastor wasn't using aroma therapy candles. He was using an aroma therapy oil diffuser. Which takes concentrated aromas in oils, and diffuses them into a stronger more powerful vapor that fills up a room. These oils also mix well into lovely massage oils, and can be placed dirrectly into the water of a humidifyer.

I suggest you try some that work on the sinuses, and have good healthy aromas. If you have a cermony with these scents in the air, and set the right mood. No one will be able to resist your God. I sweat it!

Here is a link to info about nebulizers & diffusers: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nebulizer

And the best online outlet I can find: http://www.aromathyme.com/diffusers.html

They also sell body oils: http://www.aromathyme.com/body.html
And candles: http://www.aromathyme.com/candles.html

Which would be more romantic. 8)

ROFLMAO how does that in the least bit prove there is a god? I loled so bad while I was reading that. And notice this brilliant man was giving a lesson on homeopathic medicine. Guys I think Ericka jumped into the deep-end and drowned.

Seriously though I filled my bath-tub with Mr.Bubble and I felt jesus christ come down and remove the sins from my body. I intend to get the $1million this way, of course I'll need randi to scrub my back with a Lufa.

[steenkh]

ROFLMAO how does that in the least bit prove there is a god? I loled so bad while I was reading that. And notice this brilliant man was giving a lesson on homeopathic medicine. Guys I think Ericka jumped into the deep-end and drowned.
I really cannot see Ericka's post as a proof for God. She says clearly that she knew her own experience was not of God but of the aromas, and when she advises Sally to use aromas to gain a similar spiritual experience she says "No one will be able to resist your God". That is definitely tongue-in-cheek!

[Crowbot]

I really cannot see Ericka's post as a proof for God. She says clearly that she knew her own experience was not of God but of the aromas, and when she advises Sally to use aromas to gain a similar spiritual experience she says "No one will be able to resist your God". That is definitely tongue-in-cheek!

Before anyone takes anything Ericka says seriously, they should know that she's a self-admitted troll to this forum:

I think its a great thing because there won't be mean angry skeptics attacking people over their beliefs. The wole reason I am here, and countless other trolls is because people like you came on to our forums and challenged us to come here.

http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?p=1961999#post1961999

Fat, ugly, stupid troll.

[steenkh]

Fat, ugly, stupid troll.
I take the point, but I do not think she is doing a great job of trolling here: Although she has managed to piss off a few posters, her posts are not as controversial as advertised, and real trolls do not have the habit of retracting their comments!

Are you sure she is using the same definition of troll that we use?

[Crowbot]

I take the point, but I do not think she is doing a great job of trolling here

I agree.

Are you sure she is using the same definition of troll that we use?

I dont think it matters what "kind" of troll she is. She shows up shortly after Sally, makes a post claiming Sally has shown her the evidence of the existence of god (exactly what Sally was originally claiming she was going to do to "the skeptics" of this forum). She then flounders around a bit then backpeddles in a few threads (as mentioned earlier), and THEN out comes the crackwhore Ericka avatar (i'm guessing to further insult Sally?).

Who knows what goes on in the mind of a troll? The only common theme between them is they seem to crave attention and this one is obviously no exception. Stupid, fat, ugly trolls.

[William Smith]

...
She then flounders around a bit then backpeddles in a few threads (as mentioned earlier), and THEN out comes the crackwhore Ericka avatar (i'm guessing to further insult Sally?).
...


In bizarro world, this equates to:

Ericka and Crowbot sittin' in a tree
K-I-S-S-I-N-G.

[Sally]

I suggest you try some that work on the sinuses, and have good healthy aromas. If you have a cermony with these scents in the air, and set the right mood. No one will be able to resist your God. I sweat it!



You sweat it? Perhaps you have too many candles burning.

Ericka,

I ask you respectfully to stop referring to My God. The only thing I ever advocated was for people to find their own personal relationship with God. Since at this point I am personally not even exploring mine I am not even advocating that.


I do not attend church and have not for a long while, I do not use aromatherapy, and I do not currently read the bible. If (and this is a HUGE IF in my mind at the time) there is a spirit presence out there I feel there is absolutely no need for candles, a book, a building, a smell or any of that garbage that parts good hard working people from there cash to support an commercialized complex that has nothing to do with God.

I support your efforts to find your own spiritual path but please once and for all stop trying to intertwine yours with mine by speaking of My God.

Thank you

Sally

[Ladewig]

Sally, you may find Julia Sweeney's experiences helpful as you examine your spirituality.

[jmercer]

Good for you, Sally. :)

I have been reading a number of forum conversations in various sub-forums where Sally has participated; to me, she appears consistent in her views and open-minded (as cited earlier here). From her self-description, I'd classify Sally as a deist... much like myself, in that regard.

I believe that she's in transition, and is questioning her beliefs. I also believe she's an asset to these forums; as noted, someone willing to reconsider their perspectives and re-examine their beliefs is about as good as it gets. (And, IMHO, the best possible attitude for any good skeptic.) She's also quite obviously intelligent and articulate, two more pluses.

Regarding Ericka... I have no comment other than to say I've found her (or his) posts empty of value.

And I still like Sally's avatar. :D

[Loss Leader]

I also believe she's an asset to these forums; as noted, someone willing to reconsider their perspectives and re-examine their beliefs is about as good as it gets. (And, IMHO, the best possible attitude for any good skeptic.) She's also quite obviously intelligent and articulate, two more pluses.
...
And I still like Sally's avatar. :D

Seconded. I am very proud of the journey Sally has made from first posting on this board until today. And I would say that her avatar is two of the top five things I like about her.

[Plasmadog]

Hi Sally.
I've found this thread very interesting, and I think it's great that you've found the courage to question your own beliefs. That's something that we all need to do from time to time. I wonder though if there is a bit more to the story than we have seen here. Based only on what has been described in this thread, your change of heart seemed to finally come quite rapidly. I'm very curious about what you think were the most significant moments or events that caused you to start doubting, and what the biggest unresolved questions are. I'm sure other forum members would like to hear it too. I hope that sometime you'll consider writing a summary of the journey you've taken so far, highlighting the things that made you go "Hmmmm", as it were. I understand that you're probably still going through a bit of a transition at the moment, but writing about the story so far may help you organize your thoughts and help you make up your mind on a few things. Personally, I've found that the most major shifts in my own thinking have always come as a direct result of trying to explain my position.

[Sally]

I did touch briefly on it a page or two back plasma.

The big crossroads moment from me came from a very deep conversation with a gentleman returning from Iraq (one who I had made a deep connection with before going overseas). I learned a lot from him about myself that opened up some new doors inside me to explore.

I still am not fully comfortable discussing everything here but he did make me realize that what I was feeling was an internal thing and I have worked on getting a better grasp of that... I have not fully abadoned spirituality just questioning it and putting it on hold while I work out other things...



So loss leader two of the top five things... ;)

I would love to know the other three :)

[Loss Leader]

I would love to know the other three :)

When I think about those two, I tend to lose sight of the other three.

[William Smith]

--

[jmercer]

Understand, Sally, that spiritualism doesn't necessarily have to be religious in nature. There are a few of us on here that can discuss that idea with you if you wish.

[Plastictowel]

Am I the only one that didn't get a bonus seeing her pics?